Hasaranga Bids Farewell to Test Cricket, Prioritizing White-Ball Pursuits

Mainul Islam

August 18, 2023

1.4 minutes

101

Author:

Mainul Islam

101

Hasaranga Bids Farewell to Test Cricket, Prioritizing White-Ball Pursuits

Sri Lankan Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga Shifts Priorities from Tests to Elevate White-Ball Prowess

Taking the White-Ball Route

Renowned Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has opted to conclude his Test cricket journey in favor of maximizing his performance in white-ball formats. With a reputation as one of the globe’s premier spinners in the shortest form of the game, Hasaranga’s influence spans international leagues and his national side.

Expressing His Intent

Reports indicate that Hasaranga communicated his desire to solely partake in white-ball cricket to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). His aspiration to deliver his best across both white-ball formats for the national squad prompted this decision. Acknowledging his wishes, the cricket board has granted his request, marking the official cessation of his Test cricket involvement.

The Board's Perspective

Mr. Ashley De Silva, CEO of SLC, shared the board’s stance through a statement released on Tuesday.

“We respect his choice and are confident that Hasaranga will continue to play a pivotal role within our white-ball program,” the statement affirmed.

Contrasting Records

Comparatively, Hasaranga’s Test record pales in comparison to his accomplishments in white-ball cricket during his relatively short career. His introduction to Test cricket transpired against South Africa in 2020, and he contributed to Sri Lanka’s Test campaigns in four matches, with the last being against Bangladesh in 2021.

Throughout these four appearances, he secured a mere four wickets, averaging at 100.75. In stark contrast, he has captured 102 wickets across 44 first-class matches since 2016.

White-Ball Triumph

Notably, Hasaranga’s brilliance in white-ball cricket soared when he attained the pinnacle as the No. 1-ranked T20I bowler following his exceptional performance in the individual T20 World Cup of 2022. Presently, he remains Sri Lanka’s highest-ranked bowler in the T20I format, holding the coveted No. 3 position, trailing only Rashid Khan and Josh Hazlewood.
Last Updated: Aug 18, 2023